Family system-Chapter 206: Live performance

"This is insane," she muttered, her voice laced with disbelief. "They’re doing it. The rebels are dragging them down, piece by piece."

Elise sat cross-legged on the floor before the couch, leaning back against Jack’s legs. She wrapped her hands around a bowl of popcorn, occasionally tossing a piece into her mouth but keeping most of her focus on the TV.

"They deserved it," Elise said, gesturing toward the Arbiters on the screen with a piece of popcorn. "Every bit of it. Did you see how they stumble over themselves, trying to fight? Pathetic."

Isabella curled up under a soft blanket on Jack’s other side and laughed softly. "It’s like watching some over-the-top reality show. You couldn’t write characters this ridiculous if you tried." She reached for the remote, turning up the volume as Kael’s voice rang out in another passioned speech.

The four of them watched as the broadcast cut to scenes of the castle, its halls now turned to rubble, with rebels hauling away treasure and relics. A voice narrated in the background explained the dismantling of Arbiter control and the efforts to restore order to the city.

Jack glanced down at Isabella and grinned. "You know, I wasn’t planning on spending my night watching a revolution, but here we are."

Valentina shifted slightly, smirking up at him. "Not the worst way to spend an evening. Beats those boring political dramas you’re always into."

"Hey," Jack protested, raising an eyebrow. "This is a political drama. Just live and unscripted."

Elise chuckled, tossing a piece of popcorn into her mouth. "It’s better than scripted. Look at that guy in the background," she said, pointing at a rebel trying to climb a toppled statue and failing miserably. "That’s pure gold."

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As the camera returned to Kael and Lira addressing the crowd, Isabella leaned closer to Jack, her blanket shifting slightly as she settled into his side. "Do you think they’ll pull it off? Rebuilding everything?"

Jack shrugged, his arm tightening slightly around her. "I don’t know, but if they’ve come this far, they’ve got a shot."

The four of them fell into a comfortable silence, watching as the screen showed Lira stepping forward to give her speech. The sincerity in her words captured their attention.

"She’s got guts," Valentina said quietly, a rare note of admiration in her tone.

Jack nodded. "She’s got a lot more than that. She’s got hope, and that’s not easy to come by in times like these."

…

Jack’s ability to watch the rebellion live in his living room, complete with clear visuals and dramatic narration, was not the result of advanced technology or some hidden surveillance system. Instead, it was the product of divine energy—specifically, the influence of Aphrodite,

Unbeknownst to everyone there, Hana was blessed by Aphrodite herself, a blessing that carried more than just divine favor. Aphrodite’s blessings often manifested in ways tied to her domain—love, allure, and the ability to influence and connect—but in Hana’s case, it also granted her a unique connection to the goddess. Aphrodite could monitor Hana’s actions and even those of her immediate surroundings, a gift designed not for control but for guidance. This very ability allowed Jack and his companions to witness the rebellion as if it were playing out on a screen before them.

As a goddess, Aphrodite’s perspective wasn’t bound by physical laws or mortal constraints. Her divine gaze extended across space and time, capturing moments with perfect clarity. She could focus on a specific individual—Hana, in this case—and view her actions in real-time, accompanied by every detail of her environment. The rebellion’s sights, sounds, and emotions were as vivid to Aphrodite as if she were there in person.

What set the broadcast apart was the narration—a sweet, almost theatrical voice that provided context and commentary. This voice was captivating and belonged to none other than Aphrodite herself. She narrated the rebellion’s events to Jack, Valentina, Elise, and Isabella as they watched.

…

As the events of the rebellion unfolded on the screen, Jack, Valentina, Elise, and Isabella found themselves immersed in the drama of the moment. But after hours of watching, the tension started to weigh on them. Jack stretched, breaking the silence with a warm smile.

"I think it’s time we took a break," he said, his tone gentle. "A little dinner might be exactly what we need."

Elise nodded, her sharp eyes softening as she turned to Jack. "Good idea. Something hearty but not too heavy. We still want to see how this rebellion plays out."

"Leave it to us to turn a historic rebellion into dinner theater," Valentina quipped with a grin. "But I’m starving, so I’m all in."

Isabella smiled quietly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Shall we all cook together? It’s been a while since we made something as a group."

Jack’s face lit up. "Absolutely. Let’s make it something special."

They filed into the kitchen, a spacious and inviting space filled with modern convenience and old-world charm. Shelves lined with rare ingredients and sparkling utensils caught the light, and the air carried the faint scent of herbs from a nearby bundle of fresh spices.

Elise went straight for the pantry, pulling out a bundle of Twilight Basil, its iridescent leaves shimmering faintly. "This stuff smells amazing," she said, holding it up. "Perfect for a sauce."

"Good call," Valentina said, rolling up her sleeves. She retrieved a jar of Crystalline Peppercorns, the tiny spheres glowing faintly with a soft, golden light. "Let’s use this for the seasoning. It’ll add a kick."

Jack moved to the counter, laying out some Emberfruit, their bright, fiery red hues contrasting with the soft blue glow of a handful of Celestial Garlic Cloves he brought from the fridge. "These will add just the right balance of sweet and savory," he said, carefully setting them down.

Isabella reached for a bowl of Mana-Infused Wheat Flour, its silvery sheen catching the light. "We can make fresh bread with this," she suggested. "Soft, warm, and perfect to go with the meal."

The kitchen came alive with energy as they worked together, laughter and banter filling the space. Jack manned the cutting board, expertly slicing the Emberfruit and Celestial Garlic while Elise stirred a pot of bubbling sauce made with Twilight Basil and Crystalline Peppercorns. The rich aroma wafted through the air, tantalizing their senses.

Valentina kneaded the Mana-Infused Wheat Flour into dough, her movements precise and practiced. "You’d think I was preparing for battle," she joked, her lips curving into a rare smile. "But bread-making takes strategy, too."

"Cooking is just alchemy for the soul," Isabella said softly, shaping small rolls from the dough Valentina prepared. "And tonight, I think we all need a little comfort."

As the meal came together, Jack and Elise worked on preparing the main dish. They combined slices of Emberfruit with thinly seared cuts of meat, marinated in a glaze made from Starlight Honey—a rare ingredient that added a subtle sweetness and shimmer to the dish.

"Careful, don’t overdo the honey," Jack said, watching Elise drizzle it over the pan.

"Relax, Jack," Elise teased. "I’ve got this. Besides, I don’t want to overshadow your garlic skills."

Jack chuckled. "Fair enough. Let’s just say teamwork makes the dream work."

The bread finished baking, its golden crust glistening as Isabella brushed it with a light coating of melted butter infused with a pinch of Crystalline Peppercorns. The group gathered around the stove as the main course was plated, and the vibrant colors of the Emberfruit and Twilight Basil sauce were almost too beautiful to eat.

"Okay," Jack said, stepping back to admire their work. "I think we’ve outdone ourselves."

They set the table in the dining area, and the meal was laid out like a masterpiece. Soft candlelight flickered around them, adding a warm glow to the cozy space. As they sat down to eat, the tension from earlier melted away, replaced by a sense of peace and connection.

Each bite was a burst of flavor, the mana-rich ingredients adding an otherworldly depth to the dishes. The bread was warm and soft, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. The Emberfruit added a vibrant sweetness, balanced perfectly by the spice of the Crystalline Peppercorns.

"This," Elise said, leaning back with a contented sigh, "is exactly what I needed."

Valentina raised her glass of sparkling water, the faint light of the meal reflected in her eyes. "To good food, good company, and… whatever chaos the rebels have in store next."

"To that," Jack agreed, clinking his glass with hers. "And to take a break when we need it."

The three women looked at him with funny smiles because, while he didn’t mean it that way, they knew that taking a break could mean a lot of things.

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The three of them looked at each other, and their smiles became slightly lewd. While it was not too long ago that he didn’t show any mercy on their body, they recovered and were ready for more and they wanted more.